In proceedings set for hearings, the judge who presided over the
reception of the evidence issues an initial decision and certifies
the hearing record to the Commission. The initial decision is based
on the record developed in the hearing, the briefs filed by the
parties, the law, and the policy of the Commission. It is the judge's
job to independently apply the laws enacted by the Congress as
interpreted by the courts, and the policy promulgated by the Commission
to the facts of the particular case.

The judge's initial decision becomes the final Commission decision 10 days
after briefs on exceptions to the initial decision are due unless exceptions
are timely filed or the Commission issues an order staying the effectiveness
of the initial decision pending review.